smoothing
present participle of smooth
smoothing (plural smoothings)
The act by which something is made smooth.
(phonetics, phonology) Monophthongization.
Source: Wiktionary
Smooth"ing, a. & n.
Definition: fr. Smooth, v. Smoothing iron, an iron instrument with a polished face, for smoothing clothes; a sadiron; a flatiron.
– Smoothing plane, a short, finely set plane, for smoothing and finishing work.
Smooth, a. [Compar. Smoother; superl. Smoothest.] Etym: [OE. smothe, smethe, AS. smeedhe, smoeedte, where e, oe, come from an older o; cf. LG. smöde, smöe, smödig; of uncertain origin.]
1. Having an even surface, or a surface so even that no roughness or points can be perceived by the touch; not rough; as, smooth glass; smooth porcelain. Chaucer. The outlines must be smooth, imperceptible to the touch, and even, without eminence or cavities. Dryden.
2. Evenly spread or arranged; sleek; as, smooth hair.
3. Gently flowing; moving equably; not ruffled or obstructed; as, a smooth stream.
4. Flowing or uttered without check, obstruction, or hesitation; not harsh; voluble; even; fluent. The only smooth poet of those times. Milton. Waller was smooth; but Dryden taught to join The varying verse, the full-resounding line. Pope. When sage Minerva rose, From her sweet lips smooth elocution flows. Gay.
5. Bland; mild; smoothing; fattering. This smooth discourse and mild behavior oft Conceal a traitor. Addison.
6. (Mech. & Physics)
Definition: Causing no resistance to a body sliding along its surface; frictionless.
Note: Smooth is often used in the formation of selfexplaining compounds; as, smooth-bodied, smooth-browed, smooth-combed, smooth- faced, smooth-finished, smooth-gliding, smooth-grained, smooth- leaved, smooth-sliding, smooth-speaking, smooth-woven, and the like.
Syn.
– Even; plain; level; flat; polished; glossy; sleek; soft; bland; mild; soothing; voluble; flattering; adulatory; deceptive.
Smooth, adv.
Definition: Smoothly. Chaucer. Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep. Shak.
Smooth, n.
1. The act of making smooth; a stroke which smooths. Thackeray.
2. That which is smooth; the smooth part of anything. "The smooth of his neck." Gen. xxvii. 16.
Smooth, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smoothed (smoothd); p. pr. & vb. n. Smoothing.] Etym: [OE. smothen, smethen, AS. smeedhian; cf. LG. smöden. See Smooth, a.]
Definition: To make smooth; to make even on the surface by any means; as, to smooth a board with a plane; to smooth cloth with an iron. Specifically: -- (a) To free from obstruction; to make easy. Thou, Abelard! the last sad office pay, And smooth my passage to the realms of day. Pope.
(b) To free from harshness; to make flowing. In their motions harmony divine So smooths her charming tones that God's own ear Listens delighted. Milton.
(c) To palliate; to gloze; as, to smooth over a fault. (d) To give a smooth or calm appearance to. Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm. Milton.
(e) To ease; to regulate. Dryden.
Smooth, v. i.
Definition: To flatter; to use blandishment. Because I can not flatter and speak fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive and cog. Shak.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
11 May 2025
(noun) a light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike such percussion instruments as chimes, kettledrums, marimbas, glockenspiels, etc.
Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.
